How to Find Comparable Land Sales in Your County

The best evidence of what land is worth is what similar land nearby has actually sold for recently. Here's how to find that information for free.

Where to Look

• Your county property appraiser or assessor website, which often lists recent sales
• County recorder or clerk records for deeds and sale prices
• Online real estate sites filtered to 'sold' land listings
• USDA and state agricultural land value and cash-rent surveys for farmland
• Local land brokers and appraisers, many of whom will discuss the market

Making Fair Comparisons

Look for sales within the last one to two years, of similar size, access, zoning and use. Adjust mentally for differences such as road frontage, utilities, timber or flood zones.